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The holiday season is one of the busiest times at border crossings into the United States, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warns that this year will be no exception.
If you are planning to travel by road, especially through land ports in New York state, it is essential that you prepare for increased traffic and possible delays. The key to avoiding setbacks lies in advance planning and following the official recommendations shared by CBP.
Documentación: el primer paso para un cruce exitoso
Before leaving home, make sure you have the correct and valid documents. CBP reminds travelers that they must present a passport, U.S. visa (if applicable), Permanent Resident Card, U.S. passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
If you are unsure which ones you need, check the official information.
Viajeros bajo el Programa de Exención de Visa (VWP): no olvides tu ESTA
If your entry into the United States occurs under the Visa Waiver Program, you must have an approved ESTA authorization before arriving at the port of entry. This requirement also applies to those crossing by land. Arriving without this authorization means you will not be admitted and will have to return to complete the process, which could ruin your plans. Apply for your ESTA in advance via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization to avoid inconvenience.
Planifica tu cruce: tiempos de espera y horas pico
During the holidays, border wait times can be long, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., which are considered peak hours. If you have flexibility, try traveling early in the morning or even the night before to reduce delays.
Additionally, CBP recommends checking traffic conditions before leaving. You can do this through the official CBP app or at cbp.gov/travel/advisories-wait-times. Choosing the least congested crossing can save you hours of waiting.
Prepárate para la inspección: pequeños detalles que hacen la diferencia
Once you arrive at the inspection area, having everything ready speeds up the process. Have your documents in hand, roll down the vehicle windows, and remove hats and sunglasses before reaching the booth. These simple steps allow officers to perform their duties faster and reduce wait times for all travelers.
Artículos prohibidos y restricciones: evita multas y sanciones
CBP insists that travelers inform themselves about restricted or prohibited items before crossing. This includes agricultural products such as fruits, meats, and plants, which are subject to strict regulations. If you decide to bring them, always declare them and be prepared to surrender them if they are not permitted. Also, remember that marijuana remains illegal at the federal level in the United States, regardless of state laws. Do not cross with marijuana or derivative products to avoid legal trouble.
Declaración de bienes y programas de confianza
All items you bring into the United States, including gifts and duty-free shop purchases, must be declared. Withholding information can result in penalties. If you are part of the Trusted Traveler Programs, check your account and renew your membership to continue enjoying benefits such as fast lanes and more agile processes. Renewal is done online.
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